The Christian Broadcasting Network

CBN is a global ministry committed to preparing the nations of the world for the coming of Jesus Christ through mass media. Using television and the Internet, CBN is proclaiming the Good News in 149 countries and territories, with programs and content in 67 languages.

If you have an immediate prayer need, please call our 24-hour prayer line at 800-945-5640. CBN's ministry is made possible by the support of our CBN Partners.

DIRECTOR:

DISTRIBUTOR:

CBN is not endorsing the films or TV shows CBN.com reviews. Our goal is to provide information about the latest in entertainment, both the good and the bad, so you may make an informed decision as to what is appropriate for you and your families.

Collateral Beauty is the feel-bad movie of the season. Really. Most of the film is quite depressing.

A drama centered on a father's debilitating grief and his friends' misguided attempts to help him does everything in its power to make you cry. You can't ignore the real emotion Will Smith and cast bring to the screen.

At the same time, it feels overdone. Collateral Beauty features a mixed bag of characters -- all played by superb actors in their own right.

Slow to start, the film does pack an emotional punch (more midway through to the credits, than at the beginning). Set up to throw a twist or two at you, the David Frankel-directed film isn't as surprising as maybe hoped -- save a major reveal at the end.

Smith reprises his The Pursuit of Happyness downtrodden dad look in Collateral Beauty as Howard, a once happy family man and successful NYC ad agency co-owner. But, the death of his six-year-old girl wrecks him. He withdraws from work, from his wife, and from life. He barely speaks or interacts with anyone. Still, he's desperate to communicate. So, he begins writing letters to what he thinks are the only three things that connect us all -- love, time, and death. Little did he know they'd answer back.

Collateral Beauty's message is one of universal connectedness. Howard says, we all "long for love, wish we have more time, and fear death." It's on these universally connecting themes that the movie's story plots along. Some of what's said is intrigiuing, but not as impactful as it tries to be. This is true even of the dialogue attempting to explain the movie's title.

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language (including an F-bomb), Collateral Beauty is for the older among us. Caution is advised when it comes to kids. It's a hefty one, so children won't want to see it anyway.

Though Collateral Beauty has a seasonal release date and its story is set partly at Christmas, it's not what most would call a great holiday movie. The potential was there. It just didn't find it.